August 19, 2008

Earnings at Norwegian company Marine Harvest for its second quarter 2008 fell 64 percent compared to a year ago. 

The drop in profits was partly due to fish disease ISA (Infectious Salmon Anemia) hitting its Chilean fish operations. 

However, the company expects improvements in the next two quarters partly due to favorable pricing. Overall, production increases in Norway, North America, and Scotland will offset a 50,000 tonne decline in production in Chile.

The company said it has gotten more control of its ISA problem, as its own outbreaks are now confined to two sites, while the rest of the industry in Chile is still seeing increased cases.

ISA caused Marine Harvest to close its plant in Chinquehue in Chile earlier this year, laying off 600 people. In May, the Chilean government announced that half of the 18 fish breeding sites infected by ISA belonged to Marine Harvest. 

Marine Harvest is moving towards closed containment smolt rearing systems in Chile.